ECOGENOMICS · The evolutionary consequences of inbreeding in natural populations: Genotypic-phenotypic interactions and implications for genetic diversity and evolutionary potential

Studies of processes that maintain genetic variation for fitness are fundamental for understanding evolutionary forces shaping the life histories and phenotypic characteristics of animals. Such processes include evolutionary interactions between population genetic structure and mating system, dispersal patterns and social organization. The interplay between genetic diversity and adaptive evolution ultimately provides the necessary understanding for predicting evolutionary response to environmental change. My research proposal seeks to understand the selective forces underlying the evolution of cooperation and the evolutionary consequences of evolving inbreeding mating systems by merging ecological, genetic and genomic methodologies in a highly integrative and interdisciplinary approach.